Controversial Takes Regarding The Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken's sophomore season in the NHL was a remarkable one. They defied expectations by clinching their first-ever Stanley Cup Playoff appearance and came tantalizingly close to reaching the Western Conference Final, providing plenty of surprises along the way.

As they gear up for the 2023-24 NHL season, the Kraken aim to build on their foundation and make another postseason run. However, predicting their performance is no simple task, considering several factors at play. Let's delve into three bold predictions for the Seattle Kraken in the upcoming campaign.

1. Matty Beniers' Evolution: Matty Beniers had a standout rookie season, securing the Calder Trophy. Expectations are high for him to take another step forward, and while improvement is likely, a full-fledged breakout season might be a bit premature. Second seasons can bring challenges even for the most promising talents, so while Beniers will progress, a true breakout might have to wait until a later season.

2. Vince Dunn's Defensive Dominance: Veteran defenseman Vince Dunn had a breakout year in the previous season, earning a well-deserved contract extension. While some anticipate a regression in his performance, Dunn is poised to maintain his impact. He'll continue to log significant minutes and excel as a two-way player, even if he falls slightly short of his impressive 64-point mark from last season. Dunn remains a defensive stalwart on the Kraken roster.


3. Playoff Outlook: While the Kraken are well-equipped with depth and can roll all four lines effectively, they did lose some key contributors during the offseason. Replacing players like Daniel Sprong and Morgan Geekie won't be easy. The team's goaltending situation also raises questions. Philipp Grubauer shone in the playoffs, but consistency during the regular season remains a concern. Joey Daccord serves as a capable backup but doesn't provide overwhelming confidence.

The Kraken possess the talent to secure a playoff spot, but they might face a tougher battle compared to their inaugural season. Expect them to contend for a wild card position, with the possibility of fighting for their playoff lives as the season progresses. While replicating their previous success won't be easy, the Kraken are poised for an intriguing season ahead.

As seen on clutchpoints